Hong Li works in a realistic style to create accurate representations of figures and landscapes. His repertoire includes subject matter drawn from his traditional Chinese heritage such as "Beijing Opera Girl" and "Morning Sunshine of Beijing's Winter". The former is a soft, sensuous mingling of female limbs, red cloth and made-up eyes with a red lipstick mouth. The second work mentioned portrays traditional Chinese architecture which creates shadows in complementary colours in a mysterious, perspective laden vista. Unique figurative subjects are rendered realistically, bringing to life an array of distinct, memorable characters.